Flexible Pull Strap Recliner Mechanism Release System

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion. The engaging end portion of the bracket is connected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture. A self tapping bolt can be used to connect the bracket to the reclining mechanism. A pivot point can be included on the bracket and can be mounted to the reclining mechanism by a rivet and a bushing. A flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle end portion wherein the bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap can be rotatably connected to the strap end portion of the bracket. The bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap can have a plurality of holes for adjusting the connection height of the flexible pull strap. A release handle is connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap. The release handle can be rotatably connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap and the release handle can be flexible.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an assembly for attaching an inside thearm mechanism release system. More specifically, the invention relatesto an incorporated mechanism release system which is used in connectionwith motion furniture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the recliner industry, more broadly in the motion seating furnitureindustry, it is conventional to provide a chair or equivalent article ofseating furniture with a base and a seating construction mounted on thebase by means of a mechanism which permits the user to move the seatingconstruction, or part of it, in relation to the base, in order toselectively achieve each of two, three or more different positions. Forinstance, the seating construction may include a seat an arm frame unit,an ottoman, and a backrest. Such a recliner may have a fully uprightcondition, in which the backrest is erect and the ottoman is stowed, aTV position, in which the ottoman is fully projected but the backrestremains erect, or nearly so, and a fully reclined position, in which theottoman remains fully projected and the backrest is reclined. Themovement between positions is accomplished by operation of a system ofmechanical linkages (a recliner chair mechanism) which also mounts theottoman and backrest to the seat and arm frame unit, and the seat andarm frame unit to the base. In some constructions, the seat and armframe unit translates forwardly and/or tilts front up/back down and/orraises or lowers relative to the base as the mechanism is operated. Insome recliners, the seat and arm frame unit is rigidly mounted to thebackrest, so that reclining is achieved by tilting that combinedstructure bodily.

The present invention is concerned with such seating furnitureregardless of whether it is in the form of a free-standing one-seatchair, or a one-armed one-seat modular unit for use with other modulesas part of a modular sofa grouping, or a connected end unit of amultiple-seat article of seating furniture, such as a love seat or sofa.The term “recliner” or reclining chair is used herein as being genericto all such articles.

Although there are some recliner chairs in which one “pushes off thearms”, (i.e., sits in the chair and pushes back on the backrest withones back while grasping the chair arms and pushing forwards on them),such chairs have known limitations (after a certain amount of use, theymay, when unoccupied, tend to assume a partly reclined condition insteadof a fully erect condition, because their joints have gotten loose andnothing is available to latch the parts in a fully erect position).Accordingly, most recliner chairs make use of an actuator to initiateand/or control operation of the mechanism for reclining and/or erectingthe chair, and the actuator provides a latch for defining the fullyerect condition of the chair.

The most common actuators for recliners are: a large crank handle on theoutside of the left or right arm of the chair (usually near the floor,but within grasp of a typical person seated in the chair), a similar butsmaller release handle, a push button (located somewhere on one of thechair arms, e.g., on the inner side, outer side, front or top of anarm), and a ring pull release protruding up between a side edge of theseat cushion and an arm.

In regard to the ring pull release, most of these systems include asheathed cable, some means provided at one end of the sheathed cablesuch that a user of the furniture can manipulate the cable releasesystem to move the furniture from one position to another, a mountingbracket provided proximate to the other end of the sheathed cable, andmeans for moving the furniture from one position to another attached tothe other end of the sheathed cable. The mounting bracket is typicallyprovided in the interior of the furniture. One example of such a cablerelease system is a D-ring cable release system which has proved to beeasily fatigued over extended usage causing additional costs associatedwith customer service to replace broken cables.

One problem that has occurred is that the frequent resultant twistingand kinking of the cable either caused the manufacturer of the motionfurniture to remove and remount the entire cable release system, orcaused the release system to malfunction in the field, resulting ininordinately expensive repair or recall.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Based on the limitations of the prior art, there is a need for animproved release system for recliner furniture which overcomes thedisadvantages of the prior art securing structures. The presentinvention provides such a structure of a release system. Features andadvantages of the present invention will become apparent upon a readingof the attached specification, in combination with a study of thedrawings.

Nothing in the prior art provides the benefits attendant with thepresent invention.

A primary object of the invention is to provide an assembly for securinga release system which overcomes the disadvantages of known structuresfor securing a release system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a recliningrelease actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having anengaging end portion and a strap end portion, said engaging end portionconnected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture; aflexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle endportion, said bracket end portion connected to said strap end portion ofsaid bracket; and a release handle connected to said handle end portionof said flexible pull strap.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a recliningrelease actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having anengaging end portion and a strap end portion, said engaging end portionconnected to a reclining mechanism in the reclining furniture; anadjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handleend portion, said bracket end portion connected to said strap endportion of said bracket; and a release handle connected to said handleend portion of said flexible pull strap.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide areclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising a brackethaving an engaging end portion and a strap end portion, said engagingend portion connected to a reclining mechanism in the recliningfurniture; a return spring, said spring having a first end and a secondend, said first end connected to said bracket and said second endconnected to said reclining mechanism; an activator pin, said activatorpin positioned on said engaging end portion of said bracket, saidactivator pin operatively engaging said reclining mechanism; anadjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handleend portion, said bracket end portion rotatably connected to said strapend portion of said bracket; and a release handle connected to saidhandle end portion of said flexible pull strap.

The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent objects of the presentinvention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrativeof some of the more prominent features and applications of the intendedinvention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying thedisclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the inventionwithin the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and afuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to thesummary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferredembodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by theclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The release system of the present invention is a pre-assembledcomponent, typically designed to utilize existing attachment orificesincorporated in standard industry standard recliner mechanisms. Mountingis by two self-tapping bolts or hook & self-tapping bolt, dependent onwhat is designed into the recliner mechanism body. The release bracketof the present invention is then attached to the side of the mechanismof the furniture by known means. Problems associated with installationand need for frequent replacement of cable release systems has spurredthe development of the release mechanism of the present invention.

Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present inventionprovides an assembly for a mechanical release system. The assemblyincludes a mounting bracket, preferably of one-piece construction, whichis secured to a mounting plate by a nylon washered, shoulder rivet.Securing the bracket to the recliner mechanism by self tapping bolts.The self tapping bolts or self tapping bolt and hook secures the bracketin place, and also aligns up and down for consistent operatingplacement.

A feature of the present invention is to provide a reclining releaseactuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having an engagingend portion and a strap end portion. The engaging end portion of thebracket is connected to a reclining mechanism in the recliningfurniture. A self tapping bolt can be used to connect the bracket to thereclining mechanism. A pivot point can be included on the bracket andcan be mounted to the reclining mechanism by a rivet and a bushing. Aflexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handle endportion wherein the bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap canbe rotatably connected to the strap end portion of the bracket. Thebracket end portion of the flexible pull strap can have a plurality ofholes for adjusting the connection height of the flexible pull strap. Arelease handle is connected to the handle end portion of the flexiblepull strap. The release handle can be rotatably connected to the handleend portion of the flexible pull strap and the release handle can beflexible.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a recliningrelease actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having anengaging end portion and a strap end portion. A self tapping bolt can beused to connect the bracket to the reclining mechanism. A pivot pointcan be included on the bracket and can be mounted to the recliningmechanism by a rivet and a bushing. The engaging end portion of thebracket is connected to a reclining mechanism in the recliningfurniture. An adjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket endportion and a handle end portion wherein the bracket end portion of theflexible pull strap is connected to the strap end portion of thebracket. The bracket end portion of the flexible pull strap can have aplurality of holes for adjusting the connection height of the flexiblepull strap. A release handle is connected to the handle end portion ofthe flexible pull strap. The release handle can be rotatably connectedto the handle end portion of the flexible pull strap and the releasehandle can be flexible.

Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide a recliningrelease actuator for reclining furniture comprising a bracket having anengaging end portion and a strap end portion. A self tapping bolt can beused to connect the bracket to the reclining mechanism. A pivot pointcan be included on the bracket and can be mounted to the recliningmechanism by a rivet and a bushing. The engaging end portion of thebracket is connected to a reclining mechanism in the recliningfurniture. A return spring having a first end and a second end whereinthe first end of the return spring is connected to the bracket and thesecond end of the return spring is connected to the reclining mechanism.An activator pin is positioned on the engaging end portion of thebracket wherein the activator pin operatively engages the recliningmechanism. An adjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket endportion and a handle end portion wherein the bracket end portion of theadjustable flexible pull strap is rotatably connected to the strap endportion of the bracket. The bracket end portion of the flexible pullstrap can have a plurality of holes for adjusting the connection heightof the flexible pull strap. A release handle is connected to the handleend portion of the flexible pull strap. The release handle can berotatably connected to the handle end portion of the flexible pull strapand the release handle can be flexible.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent andimportant features of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood sothat the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated.Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter whichform the subject of the claims of the invention. It should beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and thespecific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the reclining release actuator mountedto a reclining mechanism for reclining furniture according to thepresent invention. Similar reference characters refer to similar partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, a perspective view of the reclining release actuatorattached to a reclining mechanism for reclining furniture according tothe present invention. In general, the reclining mechanism provides twofunctions. First, it unites the other chair components into a chair.Second, the mechanism repositions the chair components relative to oneanother so that the chair, in use, can be selectively placed in each ofthree positions, namely the fully erect position, the TV position andthe fully reclined position.

The mounting bracket 20 is secured 130 to the reclining mechanism 50. Aself tapping bolt 130 can be used to connect the bracket 20 to thereclining mechanism 50. A pivot point 140 can be included on the bracket20 and can be mounted to the reclining mechanism 50 by a rivet and abushing. The bracket 20 has an engaging end portion 30 and a strap endportion 40. The engaging end portion 30 is connected to the recliningmechanism 50 that is housed within the reclining furniture (not shown).A return spring 110 having a first end and a second end wherein thefirst end of the return spring 110 is connected to the bracket 20 andthe second end of the return spring 110 is connected to the recliningmechanism 50. An activator pin 120 is positioned on the engaging endportion 30 of the bracket 20 wherein the activator pin 120 operativelyengages the reclining mechanism 50. A flexible pull strap 60 has abracket end portion 70 and a handle end portion 80. The bracket endportion 70 is connected to the strap end portion 40 of the bracket 20. Arelease handle 90 is connected to the handle end portion 80 of theflexible pull strap 60. The release handle 90 can be rotatably connected95 to the handle end portion 80 of the flexible pull strap 60 and therelease handle 90 can be flexible.

The flexible pull strap 60 can be adjustable and the flexible pull strap60 can be rotatably connected 160 to the strap end portion 40 of thebracket 20. The bracket end portion 70 of the flexible pull strap 60 canhave a plurality of holes 150 for adjusting the connection height of theflexible pull strap 60.

The mounting bracket 20 has a through hole which extends through themounting bracket 20 from the top surface to the bottom surface. Thethrough hole is large enough such that an M7 self tapping bolt 130 canbe positioned there through, but must not be large enough to allow freemovement in a lateral position within the through hole. The attachmentholes are preferably in excess of 25 mm to provide positive attachmentin the prescribed optimal location. The mounting bracket 20 ispreferably formed of a one-piece construction and is configured to havea first side surface, a second side surface, a top surface whichconnects the first side surface to the second side surface, and a bottomsurface which connects the first side surface to the second sidesurface.

The first side surface is planar and is preferably configured such thatit is positioned against an interior, mounting surface (not shown) of aproduct (not shown), such as motion furniture. The second side surfacecan be configured such that it is either planar or non-planar, but it ispreferably configured such that it does not interfere with any part ofthe product in which the reclining release actuator is provided.

In operation, the reclining release actuator of the present invention isinstalled as the recliner mechanism is being fabricated. The up and downadjustable flexible strap handle extension allows for various cushionheights permitting exposure or stealth position. The handle will moveforward and backwards. Due to the resilient construction, the handlewill flex when pressured but return to its intended shape. Theadjustment of the handle allows for variations in user assemblyrequirements of the product.

The flexible strap handle is adjustable and removable. The flexiblestrap extension handle is secured to the fulcrum arm by means of abolt/locknut combination, permitting desirable movement of the handle toprevent kinking or twisting of the handle. The securing of the mountingbracket to the recliner mechanism body with self-tapping boltseliminates the frequently occurring and costly problems caused bymovement of the bracket resulting from broken or inadequate weld/glueapplications. The easy installation of the reclining release actuatorenables the customer to retrofit cable release equipped models with thereclining release actuator with little difficulty. For the manufacturer,the reclining release actuator, allows for variations in amanufacturer's final assembly requirements, providing greaterversatility than was heretofore available, permitting greaterflexibility for the furniture retailer with minimal stock-keeping unitsneeded.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims,as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this inventionhas been described in its preferred form with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of thepreferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction and the combination andarrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

Now that the invention has been described,

1. A reclining release actuator for reclining furniture comprising: abracket having an engaging end portion and a strap end portion, saidengaging end portion connected to a reclining mechanism in the recliningfurniture; a flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and ahandle end portion, said bracket end portion connected to said strap endportion of said bracket; and a release handle connected to said handleend portion of said flexible pull strap.
 2. The reclining releaseactuator according claim 1, further comprising a return spring, saidspring having a first end and a second end, said first end connected tosaid bracket and said second end connected to said reclining mechanism.3. The reclining release actuator according claim 1, further comprisingan activator pin, said activator pin positioned on said engaging endportion of said bracket, said activator pin operatively engaging saidreclining mechanism.
 4. The reclining release actuator according claim1, further comprising a self tapping bolt, said self tapping boltconnecting said bracket to said reclining mechanism.
 5. The recliningrelease actuator according claim 1, wherein said bracket furthercomprising a pivot point, said pivot point connected to said recliningmechanism.
 6. The reclining release actuator according claim 5, whereinsaid pivot point further comprising a rivet and a bushing.
 7. Thereclining release actuator according claim 1, wherein said bracket endportion of said flexible pull strap is rotatably connected to said strapend portion of said bracket.
 8. The reclining release actuator accordingclaim 1, wherein said bracket end portion of said flexible pull strapfurther comprising a plurality of holes, each of said holes connectableto said strap end portion of said bracket.
 9. The reclining releaseactuator according claim 1, wherein said release handle is rotatablyconnected to said handle end portion of said flexible pull strap. 10.The reclining release actuator according claim 9, wherein said releasehandle is flexible.
 11. A reclining release actuator for recliningfurniture comprising: a bracket having an engaging end portion and astrap end portion, said engaging end portion connected to a recliningmechanism in the reclining furniture; an adjustable flexible pull straphaving a bracket end portion and a handle end portion, said bracket endportion connected to said strap end portion of said bracket; and arelease handle connected to said handle end portion of said flexiblepull strap.
 12. The reclining release actuator according claim 11,further comprising a return spring, said spring having a first end and asecond end, said first end connected to said bracket and said second endconnected to said reclining mechanism.
 13. The reclining releaseactuator according claim 11, further comprising an activator pin, saidactivator pin positioned on said engaging end portion of said bracket,said activator pin operatively engaging said reclining mechanism. 14.The reclining release actuator according claim 11, further comprising aself tapping bolt, said self tapping bolt connecting said bracket tosaid reclining mechanism.
 15. The reclining release actuator accordingclaim 11, wherein said bracket further comprising a pivot point, saidpivot point connected to said reclining mechanism.
 16. The recliningrelease actuator according claim 15, wherein said pivot point furthercomprising a rivet and a bushing.
 17. The reclining release actuatoraccording claim 11, wherein said bracket end portion of said adjustableflexible pull strap is rotatably connected to said strap end portion ofsaid bracket.
 18. The reclining release actuator according claim 11,wherein said release handle is rotatably connected to said handle endportion of said adjustable flexible pull strap.
 19. The recliningrelease actuator according claim 19, wherein said release handle isflexible.
 20. A reclining release actuator for reclining furniturecomprising: a bracket having an engaging end portion and a strap endportion, said engaging end portion connected to a reclining mechanism inthe reclining furniture; a return spring, said spring having a first endand a second end, said first end connected to said bracket and saidsecond end connected to said reclining mechanism; an activator pin, saidactivator pin positioned on said engaging end portion of said bracket,said activator pin operatively engaging said reclining mechanism; anadjustable flexible pull strap having a bracket end portion and a handleend portion, said bracket end portion rotatably connected to said strapend portion of said bracket; and a release handle connected to saidhandle end portion of said flexible pull strap.